Providing toll free data in a wireless system

An apparatus for providing sponsored data to a wireless user comprising a processor configured to:

• receive, via an interface, a request for toll free data transfer from a mobile network operator serving said wireless user, said request identifying a server offering said sponsored data,
• determine from said request a toll free campaign data parameter comprising a toll free campaign end date,
• determine said toll free campaign end date has not yet occurred,
• generate a second request to said server for said sponsored data,
• receive said sponsored data from said server at the apparatus,
• provide said sponsored data to said wireless user by the apparatus;
• and
• generate in said apparatus a usage record for charging said content provider for providing said sponsored data.

A method of denying transfer of data requested for transfer by a wireless user, comprising:

• receiving a request from a mobile network operator at an apparatus, said request originating from a wireless user requesting transfer of data between a mobile phone and a sponsored content provider, wherein said apparatus interfaces with said mobile network operator serving said mobile phone, wherein said request comprises data used by said apparatus to identify said sponsored content provider;
• retrieving by a processor of said apparatus a set of sponsored data campaign parameters associated with said request stored in a memory of said apparatus, wherein said set of sponsored data campaign parameters comprises a campaign end date for transfer of said sponsored data from said sponsored content provider;
• determining said end date has occurred;
• not forwarding said request to said sponsored content provider;
• generating a message to said wireless user indicating said sponsored data is unavailable;
• and
• generating a record stored in said memory of said apparatus reflecting receipt of said request.